Camp Mystic Withdraws Application To Reopen This Summer

A day after the owners of Camp Mystic apologized for the deadly flood plan failures that led to the deaths of 25 campers and 2 counselors, Camp Mystic announced in a statement that they have withdrawn their application to reopen this summer.

Camp Mystic today informed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that it is withdrawing its application for a summer 2026 camp license.

No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy. We commend DSHS for their testimony this week that recognized their legal obligations. But rather than risk defending our rights under Texas law in a manner that may unintentionally effect further harm, we choose rather to withdraw our application for the 2026 camp season.

Twenty-eight precious lives were lost. We recognize that no statement and no decision can undo that loss or ease the burden carried each day by parents, siblings, loved ones, survivors, first responders and our beautiful Kerr County community. We also recognize that over 800 girls want to return to Camp Mystic Cypress Lake this summer. Our special bond with our Camp Mystic families does not change or end with the announcement. We love each of you.

This decision is intended to remove any doubt that Camp Mystic has heard the concerns expressed by grieving families, members of the Texas House and Senate investigating committees and citizens across our state. Respect for those voices requires that we step back now.

Camp Mystic will continue to fully cooperate with all ongoing investigations, comply with every lawful requirement and continue supporting recovery and healing efforts.

Today is not about camp operations. It is about respect for the families, accountability to the public and reverence for the memory of the lives lost.

Governor Greg Abbott also released a statement:

"Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and those recovering from last year's devastating Fourth of July floods,” said Governor Abbott. "Camp Mystic has withdrawn its application to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) seeking to open as a camp this year. As a result, the camp will remain closed for 2026. The DSHS continues working with the Texas Rangers to investigate Camp Mystic. The results of that investigation will be made public as soon as possible."

Speaking at a hearing before House and Senate flood investigation committees, owner Edward Eastland apologized to the families of campers and counselors who died last year in their care when a massive flood swept through the camp on July 4.

“I think about the night of the flood every moment of every day,” Eastland said, “We tried our hardest that night and it wasn’t enough to save your daughters. We were devastated alongside you. I regret not communicating more with each of you earlier. And I’m so sorry.”